There are many ways to remove scratches from stainless steel products, however be sure to be careful when using these methods, as you do not want to make the scratches on your steel worse than they already are.
5 Ways to Remove Scratches From Stainless Steel
This article will outline how to use non-abrasive cleaners, how to clean with whitening toothpaste and baking soda, and how to use a stainless steel repair kit.
1. Non-abrasive Cleaners
The difference between abrasive and non-abrasive cleaners is that non-abrasive cleaners are diluted. Non-abrasive cleaners come in powder and liquid forms. Basically, the non-abrasive cleaner will fill your lines and smooth out your surface.
Some examples of non-abrasive cleaners are Bar Keepers Friend and Method Stainless Steel Clean + Polish. If you’re using a powder cleaner, you’ll want to mix it with some water to create a paste. From there, take a damp cloth and rub toward the direction of the grain. After you’re done, take a clean damp cloth and wipe off all the excess paste.
You will want to check if your scratch has disappeared. If it hasn’t, repeat the process until the scratch is gone. If you want it to shine after you clean the space, you can apply some polish or olive oil.
2. Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is actually a mildly abrasive cleaner. This method can be used on light to semi-deep scratches. Before you apply your toothpaste, you will need to ensure your stainless steel surface is clean and ready to go.
Apply the toothpaste to the scratched area and rub it in with your finger or a toothbrush. You’ll want to go with the grain when rubbing in the toothpaste. When you’re done, take a damp cloth and remove the toothpaste from the surface. Repeat this process until the scratches are no longer there. Apply some stainless steel polish or olive oil after cleaning to get a shine.
3. Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a common household item that may be able to help you with stainless steel cleaning. Baking soda is also slightly abrasive, so be careful with this cleaner. Since baking soda comes in a powder, you’ll want to mix it with some water before you apply it.
Once you’ve mixed them together you can apply some of the paste to your stainless steel. Use a damp cloth to scrub in the direction of the grain. Once the scratch has gone away, wipe off the rest of the paste with a damp towel.
4. Stainless Steel Repair Kit
Many people invest in a stainless steel repair kit. These kits help you get rid of any scratches you may come across. Scratch B Gone is a popular item for those who need to remove the scratches on their steel. The packaging outlines how to use this product.
Which pad you use will depend on how deep your scratch is. Once you determine the pad you need, you’ll take the handle on the pad, move it over the scratch, and apply the shine formula. Move the handle along the grain and repeat this motion until the scratch is gone. You can then clean the area using a microfiber cloth.
5. Sandpaper for Deep Scratches
Sandpaper can help you remove those deep and stubborn scratches on your stainless steel. When using this method, be sure to wet the sandpaper first and follow up with a rubbing compound. Be sure to never sand against the grain and note that this only works for uncoated stainless steel, so don’t try it on any other types of metal.
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